24 October 2016

It has come to our attention that NHS Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reviewing their policy on access to all gluten-free foods on prescription. We’re getting the message out online and letting our Members know so that you have the chance to make your voice heard.

Currently the CCG follows National Prescribing Guidelines for the prescription of gluten-free staple foods, but they’re now reviewing their policy and proposing to remove access to all gluten-free foods on prescription.

What have we been doing to help?

We’re very concerned by the proposal and will be submitting a formal response to support continuing access to gluten-free food on prescription. Our arguments will centre on the importance of gluten-free staples on prescription to help people manage and stick to the gluten-free diet in view of cost and availability issues. We will also be asking local healthcare professionals for their support.

Have your say

The consultation is open until 30 November and we’re encouraging those affected to respond to make sure their voices are heard. 

The survey can be accessed online at:

www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NEWDevon-glutenfree

If you would like to request a hard copy of the consultation document you can do so by calling Healthwatch Devon on 0800 520 0640.

We would also encourage you to write to your local MP, either using our sample letter, or your own letter explaining how the proposed changes would affect you.

Get involved

As part of our work in opposing prescription cuts, we are looking for people affected to act as case studies in the media. This will help us to get the message out there and explain how this policy change would affect people with coeliac disease. To become a case study or to find out more about interview opportunities please call us on 0333 332 2033.

We will update our Members with any developments online, through direct mailings, and in Crossed Grain magazine. Find out more about our prescriptions campaign by visiting www.coeliac.org.uk/prescriptioncampaign.